Texas Mer Convention

[Mermaid Meara]

So I'm looking to throw a mer convention here in Texas. The aquatic center I usually swim at is considering hosting it. It would most likely last 2 days and be sometime in August or September. (I realize this is a busy time for some mers but it is the only time that this aquatic center isn't busy.)


I would be looking at having one day for just us mers and another day would have a time for swim with kids.


I would also like if we had some booths if any of you wanted a space.


And if any one would like to teach a class.


Any other ideas would be appreciated.



*I do want to note that I live in a conservative town. One concern that they have had is attire. At first they flat out said no because they thought all mermaids swim topless. They mostly likely will want to enforce some type of dress code when it comes to tops. Please realize that this is completely out of my hands and I personally don't agree. I just wanted to let you know ahead of time.

[Mermaid Momo]

Yay! A convention I can hope to go to and it'll actually be somewhat possible! Driving distance too!

I say include the dress code policy in any convention manuals/ schedules you produce. A lot of conditions have dress codes of what can and cannot be worn just make sure you get them to be very descriptive so that you don't have to send anyone home/back to the hotel to change.

The only thing I can really suggest is checking for badges/ wrist bands since I've heard that from the last few cons thrown there were sometimes random people just walking around who weren't paying for the con. (also, plan ahead and buy extra badges/wristbands for at least an extra 100 people than those who registered online)

Also, get a nice sized committee going to help you out with the con would take a lot of weight off of your shoulders and help with brainstorming solutions and new ideas.
I'm currently sick so my brain's not working to full capacity haha, but I'll post more if I remember something

[Kishiko]

Ugh please make it August Id adore coming!! I would suggest talking to a local run hotel and see if you can convince them to run a special for Mers staying there for the con.

I second draggersprez on the wristband checking and the committee! I'd be happy to volunteer if this gets off the ground.


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[Mermaid Momo]

Ugh please make it August Id adore coming!! I would suggest talking to a local run hotel and see if you can convince them to run a special for Mers staying there for the con.

I second draggersprez on the wristband checking and the committee! I'd be happy to volunteer if this gets off the ground.


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If it's in August just make sure it's not around the time school starts up, or at least sometime after school starts because I know cons being around school just starting make them a definite no for a few people.

[Kishiko]

What about early September Labor Day weekend?


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[jvry8c]

If its in east Texas I should be able to go. It sounds like alot of fun.

[Sherielle]

Midland is a bit far for me

[Mermaid Enora]

I'm in Dallas so midland is not too far away.
I would be interested in possibly coming although I'm taking 3 weeks vacation in August so not sure I'll even be around or be able to get more time off and I work weekends which makes it difficult

[jvry8c]

Just now saw it is in midlands. Will try and go but that might be to far.

[JamesGunnels]

I have no idea where that is in regards to Austin...

[Mermaid Meara]

For those who don't know where Midland is.

[JamesGunnels]

Oh, that is quite far.

[Mermaid Momo]

If you plan far enough into the future to go, maybe you could just work out your transportation and sleeping plans before hand. That's what I would do (Since I actually live in AZ) Something close to the planner is a plus so the planner can go and check out the space and see what is possible and what isn't possible for the convention space.

[Spindrift]

Lol silly people, thinking all mermaids swim topless.

I would recommend getting as many vendors there as possible if this is going to be more of a convention deal than a party. A huge part of going to conventions is to be able to get merchandise in person you would normally not be able to get in your immediate area.

I have the ability to travel to Houston/Sugarland/Beaumont, but I would think it would make more sense to have the convention near the gulf coast, no? Depending on how big you want this to be, the closer it is to a major airport the easier it is to get a lot of participants.

[Mermaid Meara]

I just got out of my first meeting with the aquatic center. This meeting was mostly about me answering questions about the community, what goes on at cons, what pools we would prefer, ect. So far I feel we are headed in a good direction for this to happen.


I realize that Midland may not be close to some people or that well know of a city, but we are in the top 15 of fastest growing cities in the US and have the International Air and Space Port, we really aren't that small. This aquatic center is also the one that knows me well and is considering letting me teach mermaid classes, there for is more likely to allow me to throw it. If they end up saying no, down the coast will be my next place to look, but I'd rather eliminate the closest place first before looking at farther places.

One question I do have is that the staff is wanting to learn "how to save a mermaid" basically specialized life guarding for the con and me teaching classes. My question is what would you look for with a mermaid drowning/struggling? What do you do if you start struggling? They want me to teach a class for them and actually practice saving me in tail. I've personally never had an issue swimming in tail or out and haven't really "struggled" since I was a child, doesn't make me immune but I feel like I don't have experience to tell them what a mermaid will do if she's having issues.

[Mermaid Momo]

I think clear sign of a drowning mermaid is one that's trying to tread water, but keeps sinking under and starts to desperately make their way to the nearest wall.

[Mermaid Enora]

Probably the same as any other person struggling in the water

[SweeteSiren]

Drowning would typically look like someone whose head is barely clearing the water, and who is sculling constantly to stay at the surface.

[Mermaid Meara]

Update: so looks like we are going to have to wait until 2016. There is no time on the schedual for this year so we are looking at Labor Day weekend. Sept. 2-4 2016. This gives me more time to get everything together at least. Would anyone be interested in performing? We are going to try to get as many performances as possible. It will be open to the public to buy tickets as a way to introduce the Mermaid community to the city.

[Kishiko]

What do you mean perform? I thought it's a con similar to merfest!


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